Mazloum Abdi says SDF reaches “preliminary” integration deal with Damascus
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, announced on Monday that a “preliminary agreement” has been reached with Damascus to integrate SDF fighters and security forces into Syria’s defense and interior ministries.
Abdi told AFP that the understanding followed recent talks in Damascus with Syria’s Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, and U.S. commander Brad Cooper.
“What is new in our recent talks in Damascus is the shared determination and strong will to accelerate the implementation of the terms,” Abdi added.
He noted that delegations from the SDF and the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (Asayish) are currently in Damascus to discuss the mechanism of integration.
“The most important point is having reached a preliminary agreement regarding the mechanism for integrating the SDF and the (Kurdish) Internal Security Forces within the framework of defence and interior ministries,” he emphasized.
Abdi acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, disagreements persist — particularly regarding the demand for a decentralized governance system. “We demand a decentralised system in Syria… we have not agreed on it,” he added, as they are “still discussing finding a common formula acceptable to all,” he said.
He affirmed that both sides agree on Syria’s territorial integrity, the unity of national symbols, and the need to prevent a return to war. Abdi also called for amending the current constitutional declaration to guarantee the rights of the Kurdish people.
Abdi thanked the United States and France for facilitating the negotiations and expressed hope that Turkey, despite its historic opposition to the SDF, would play a “supportive role” in the ongoing process.